Yes, a running back.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t get me wrong, the Commanders definitely need a running back with Austin Ekeler likely moving on. They need somebody to complement \u201cBill\u201d Croskey-Merritt<\/a>, and Love would certainly fit that mold.<\/p>\n Not the Expected Direction<\/p>\n The usual suspects at No. 7 would be an edge rusher, a cornerback or even an offensive lineman. If your first reaction was \u201ca running back?\u201d you\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n On paper, it feels like Washington has bigger problems. The defense needs more aggression and penetration at the line. In most of the games they played, they gave opposing quarterbacks an endless amount of time to get the ball out of their hands. The secondary had its moments too. So spending a premium pick on a back can feel like skipping over something more urgent.<\/p>\n Who Is Jeremiyah Love?<\/p>\n Love is a lot more than just a between the tackles runner. At Notre Dame<\/a>, Love showed that he is a dual threat in that he can be a break away runner and that he can catch the ball as well. He is the type of back who can turn a short gain into something much bigger.<\/p>\n The league does not look at running backs the way they did in the early 2000\u2019s. Love is young and fresh, which means the Commanders do not have to worry about him having mileage. If the Washington Commanders draft Jeremiyah Love in April, it would signal a clear commitment to building around Jayden Daniels.<\/p>\n Building Around Jayden Daniels<\/p>\n This is where things get interesting.<\/p>\n The Commanders have made it clear that Jayden Daniels<\/a> is the future and they would like to build the team around him. One of the easiest ways to make his life easier would be further establishing a dominant run game. Croskey-Merritt certainly made big strides last season, but he could definitely use someone else to complement him.<\/p>\n Last season, there were games where the offense looked balanced and controlled. And then there were games where it felt like Daniels had to do everything himself in the few games he did play. When the run game disappears, young quarterbacks get put in bad spots.<\/p>\n Adding someone like Love changes that dynamic. Defenses would have to respect the ground game. Play action becomes more dangerous and third downs become more manageable.<\/p>\n The Risk of a First Round Running Back<\/p>\n Now, let\u2019s address the elephant in the room. First round running backs are not exactly a top draft priority anymore like they were thirty years ago. Teams think about long term value and shelf life. They think about how many good backs come from Day Two or Day Three.<\/p>\n But every few years there is a player who feels different. If Washington sees Jeremiyah Love as one of those rare prospects who can impact the game in multiple ways, then the investment is easier to justify.<\/p>\n Identity Still Being Formed<\/p>\n The Commanders are still shaping who they want to be during what feels like an endless rebuild. Adding another strong back like Love, a top tier wide receiver and an edge rusher who can create penetration should be at the top of their list.<\/p>\n None of this means that the defense is not important. A pass rusher at No. 7 would make a lot of sense, but so would finding additional help in the secondary. Both of these are premium spots for a reason. And let\u2019s not forget, it is still early. Mock drafts in February are basically educated guesses. Free agency will change things. The combine will change things. Boards will move. What feels shocking now might feel obvious in April.<\/p>\n For now, one thing is certain. If Washington decides to draft Jeremiyah Love in the first round, it would mean that they are fully committed to helping Jayden Daniels establish a new identity for this offense<\/p>\n Dan Parr 2026 NFL mock draft 1.0: Jets trade back into Round 1 for QB; Commanders go RB https:\/\/t.co\/YfrszQdn5x<\/a> #Steelers<\/a> #NFL<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Steelers Depot 7\u20e3 (@Steelersdepot) February 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Main Image: Michael Clubb-Imagn Images\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/USATSI_27257717_168419650_lowres-1024x682.jpg\")
Oct 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) warms up prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images<\/p>\n